Recs on catcher's gear

[default]

Thinking about replacing dd's catching gear. After searching a few sights, I never knew there were that many brands & styles out there. Should I get her ones that state fastpitch? How about brand? What have you found to be the most durable & comfortable? Intermediate or adult?
TIA!

 

[default]

The mask should be lightweight, and it should fit her well. We don't like the equipment with velcro either as the velcro tends to not work as well after a while. We try to buy our equipment at a place where our daughter can try it on. She is particular about her chest protector in the way it fits.

 

[default]

We bought our dd new gear a couple of months ago. She'd been using gear we bought used when she was 9. She's gonna be 14 this summer. Don't worry about buying all 3 pieces from the same manufacturer, as long as the color matches. We bought from 3 different places. She love the new gear. Comfortable and fits well. That's what's important.

I think we got her an easton chest protector. She like the one that pull over her head, it's got a neck on it. Mizuno shins I think. Hockey style mask, can't remember the name.

 

[default]

There is an interesting new Wilson catchers helmet with a floating mask.
http://www.softball.com/Catchers-Eq...1100200+34/Nty/1/categoryId/1100200/index.pro
Has anyone tried it?

 

[default]

There is an interesting new Wilson catchers helmet with a floating mask.
http://www.softball.com/Catchers-Eq...1100200+34/Nty/1/categoryId/1100200/index.pro
Has anyone tried it?

I'm glad you brought that up. DD has a Wilson mask, not the floater tho.

 

[default]

Those vents make me think it might be cooler and lighter than most. Sometimes dd has difficulty hearing with her helmet on. I wonder if she would have more luck with this one.

 

[default]

Let me know if you get her one. I'd like to know. I think my dd's has vents but not quite like that.

 

[default]

our schutt mask lost screws and it's been murder trying to find replacements...lickily the easton made hockey mask and equip hasn't broken apart like her bag has

 

[default]

Do you mean the T-nuts and srews or something else?
I finally found hardware here
http://www.schuttsports.com/aspx/Sport/ProductCatalog.aspx?id=639

 

[default]

I don't like catcher "sets" of all the same brand. One size does not fit all! We went with what was good quality and fit so it was mix and match on mizuno shin guards, rawlings chest protector and easton helmet. You will see female chest protectors advertised but we didn't find they offered anything that a regular chest guard didn't. It's really what fits a particular person properly and comfortably so hit a well stocked store and try things on.

 

[default]

That's exactly what we did. Goin with diff brands, find what fits and feels good. They have to play in that stuff a lot, and for a long time.

 

[default]

Warriors21, Several years ago our travel org. bought all new Schutt gear for our catchers and the girls did not like the mask or shin guards at all. It was a shame because we spent a lot of money on it and they were wearing the old nasty Rawling gear the Schutt was to replace. I found the girls like the Easton equip. and I also bought a All Star hockey style mask they really liked. I haven't had experience with Diamond brand but I see it all the time advertised in the NFCA's Fastpitch Delivery magazine. If you want your DD to try the Easton stuff send me a PM and she can try the MS gear. It's the Easton Stealth line and I have a small and large sized helmet.

 

[default]

We also have Easton gear-stealth chest protector, natural shins but we have a Rawlings helmet (only because no other helmets fit her head last year (she is only 12 now). We have never had a problem with her stuff but the catcher on her tema last year had Easton Stealth shins that both cracked, Easton did replace them but they weren't very old. We have had Mo's for a year and a half with no problems. We have the youth shins and woman's small chest protector so we did not do a set either for sizes. We are going to get another helmet just not sure which one. Your best bet is to have her try stuff on. That is how we found what was most comfortable for her. Some internet companies will let you order several sets and return what you don't want but be careful about restocking fees.....

 

[default]

My DD has a set of Schutt gear. She says it is very comfortable and lightweight and we have had no problems with durability. Price was as good and/or a bit better than most big brand names.

 

[default]

cougars,

awesome! I still have it sittin in the garage..I think she acually preferred the schutt mask!

 

[default]

What about the Schutt does she like best?

 

[default]

Bought our 14u catcher Mizuno shins and chest protector. The shins have a double knee which takes some getting used to, but I think the protection will be better in the long run. Didn't like the Mizuno helmet, so we went with an Easton. Fit is the most important thing. She has to try it on and walk around in it first! She never wants new gear. Likes to keep her old gear to the point that it is falling apart. "But mom, it's just getting broken in!"

 

[default]

Thanks for the info everyone! We were looking at the Easton & Rawlings line. She has Wilson, but they are from when she was 11 & the fit isn't the best. Looks like we wll be making a trip to Dick's Sporting Goods when we finally dig out.

go4fpsb - you've got mail

 

[default]

cougars,

awesome! ?I still have it sittin in the garage..I think she acually preferred the schutt mask!

The actually have something that will work at Lowe's in there screw department, you know all those draws they have? I Have used them to fix various masks, both catchers and Helmets. They are not an exact replacement from the originals but they do work and actually hold better due to the barbs they have. I also use some Lock tite on them.

 

[default]

DD loves the cheapo Schutt helmet (not the hockey mask style), the Diamond fastpitch chest protector (it has a side buckle instead of clips) and the Diamond leg guards (Jenny Topping of team USA seems to like the Diamond brand also)
cheap, too:
chest protector $30
leg guards $30
knee savers $20
helmet/mask $26
I think we bought most of her gear at
www.longstreth.com